Singapore’s Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass — known as the ONE Pass — is the most flexible and generous work pass the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) offers. Launched in January 2023, it is designed to attract top global talent: senior professionals, established entrepreneurs, and recognised leaders whose skills and networks Singapore wants to anchor here for the long term.
Unlike the standard Employment Pass (EP), the ONE Pass carries a five-year validity, does not require a specific employer to sponsor it, and allows the holder to work for multiple companies simultaneously — or run their own business while employed. This guide covers everything you need to know: eligibility criteria, application routes, the renewal framework, dependent privileges, and how the ONE Pass compares to other passes.
What Is the ONE Pass?
The ONE Pass (full name: Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) is a single, self-contained work authorisation document. It is not tied to a single employer, which means the holder can:
- Work for multiple Singapore-based employers concurrently
- Start, operate, or invest in Singapore companies while employed
- Take on board advisory or directorship roles across different organisations
- Remain in Singapore between jobs without needing to cancel and reapply
The pass is valid for five years and is renewable. It is administered by MOM and targeted at individuals who are already established in their fields globally.
Who Qualifies for the ONE Pass?
There are two distinct routes to the ONE Pass: the salary criterion and the outstanding achievements criterion.
Route 1: Salary Criterion (S$30,000 Fixed Monthly Salary)
The applicant must earn — or have a confirmed offer to earn — a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 from a Singapore-based employer. “Fixed monthly salary” means the contractually guaranteed cash component paid every month: basic salary plus fixed monthly allowances. It excludes:
- Performance bonuses and variable pay
- Sign-on bonuses
- Stock-based compensation (RSUs, options, share grants)
- Employer pension or CPF contributions
- Variable allowances (transport, meal, mobile)
Applicants currently employed outside Singapore must demonstrate that they earned S$30,000 or more per month in fixed salary for at least one of the 12 months immediately before the application date. If applying from within Singapore, they must currently be earning at least S$30,000 per month on a fixed basis from a Singapore employer.
Route 2: Outstanding Achievements
MOM accepts applications from individuals who do not meet the salary threshold but who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments recognised internationally. In practice, MOM has described the bar as “top achievers in their specific fields globally.” Examples include:
- Founders or senior executives of unicorn companies (valuation of US$1 billion or more)
- Award recipients in globally recognised programmes (e.g., Forbes 30 Under 30, Fortune 500 executives)
- Individuals with demonstrated leadership in arts, culture, sport, academia, or research at an internationally recognised level
MOM exercises considerable discretion on the outstanding achievements route. There is no formal checklist. Applicants are expected to submit supporting documentation that demonstrates the nature and scale of their achievements clearly. It is advisable to seek professional immigration advice before applying on this route.
The COMPASS Exemption
Unlike standard Employment Passes, ONE Pass applicants are exempt from the COMPASS framework — the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework that MOM uses for ordinary EP applications. There is no need to score 40 points across workforce diversity, salary benchmarks, and firm-level indicators. The S$30,000 salary level effectively removes the applicant from COMPASS entirely.
Sectors Covered
The ONE Pass is open to applicants from all sectors. However, MOM specifically highlights the following areas as priority sectors:
- Business and management
- Arts and culture
- Sports
- Academia and research
- Science and technology
There is no sector restriction: a senior finance professional, a technology entrepreneur, an internationally recognised artist, or a leading healthcare researcher can all apply, provided they meet the salary or outstanding achievements criterion.
How to Apply for the ONE Pass
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
The core documentation pack includes:
- Completed ONE Pass application form via the MOM website
- Valid passport (biographical page)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Employment offer letter or current employment contract showing fixed monthly salary
- Latest payslips (last 6 to 12 months for overseas applicants; latest month for Singapore-based applicants)
- Evidence of outstanding achievements (if applying on Route 2), such as award certificates, media coverage, company valuation reports, or other objective documentation
Step 2: Employer or Self-Submission
Unlike the EP, which is typically submitted by the employer, the ONE Pass can be submitted by the applicant directly — or by an employer or Authorised Employment Agency on the applicant’s behalf. This self-submission option is particularly useful for entrepreneurs and individuals negotiating multiple employment arrangements simultaneously.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
The non-refundable application fee is S$105 per application. Payment is made online through the MOM portal at the time of submission.
Step 4: Await MOM’s Decision
Processing typically takes four to eight weeks, though complex cases — particularly those on the outstanding achievements route — may take longer. MOM does not guarantee a fixed turnaround and does not provide reasons for rejection.
Step 5: Collect the Pass
On approval, the applicant must enter Singapore and complete biometric registration at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC). The ONE Pass card (which serves as the In-Principle Approval and eventual pass document) will then be issued.
ONE Pass Duration, Renewal and Conditions
Five-Year Validity
The ONE Pass is issued with a five-year validity, significantly longer than the standard EP (typically one to two years for first-time holders). The Re-Entry Permit (REP) for ONE Pass holders is also typically issued for five years, allowing extended international travel without losing residency status.
Renewal Criteria
To renew the ONE Pass, the holder must demonstrate one of the following:
- Salary route: Average fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the five-year validity period in Singapore; or
- Business route: The holder has started and is actively operating a Singapore-based company that employs at least five local employees (Singapore Citizens or PRs) each earning at least the prevailing EP qualifying salary.
MOM will assess both routes holistically. Holders who fell below the S$30,000 threshold during part of the validity period — due to career transitions, time out of employment, or business-building — may still qualify for renewal if the average is met or the business criterion is satisfied.
Dependent Privileges
ONE Pass holders enjoy the same dependent privileges as EP holders. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP). Parents may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). There is no minimum salary requirement specific to the ONE Pass for dependant applications — the pass itself serves as the qualifying document.
For more information on bringing family members to Singapore, see our guide on Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) Singapore 2026.
ONE Pass vs EP vs PEP: Key Comparisons
| Feature | ONE Pass | Employment Pass (EP) | Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum salary | S$30,000/month (fixed) | S$5,600/month (general); higher for financial services | Last drawn S$22,500/month (EP holder); or S$30,000 (overseas) |
| Employer sponsorship | Not required | Required | Not required |
| Multiple employers | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed (one employer at a time) |
| COMPASS required | No | Yes | No |
| Validity | 5 years | 1–2 years (extendable) | 3 years (non-renewable) |
| Start own business | Yes | Only with employer approval | Yes |
For a detailed comparison of all Singapore professional work passes, see Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP: Which Singapore Work Visa Do You Need?
Common Questions About the ONE Pass
Can I Apply for the ONE Pass If I Am Not Yet Employed in Singapore?
Yes. The ONE Pass can be applied for by overseas applicants who have a confirmed offer of S$30,000 per month fixed salary from a Singapore employer. MOM will assess the letter of offer and supporting documentation from the employer. If applying on the outstanding achievements route, no employment is required at the point of application.
Can ONE Pass Holders Apply for Singapore PR?
Yes. ONE Pass holders are eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) through ICA under the PTS (Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers) scheme after meeting the usual residency criteria. The ONE Pass does not guarantee PR approval, but it establishes a strong foundation — particularly for individuals who have held the pass for two or more years and have been actively contributing to Singapore’s economy. See our Singapore PR Application 2026 guide for the full requirements.
What If My Salary Drops Below S$30,000 During the Pass Period?
There is no immediate obligation to notify MOM or surrender the ONE Pass if your salary drops below S$30,000 during the validity period. MOM assesses the average salary over the five-year term at the point of renewal. However, holders should document their employment history carefully, as MOM will review this at renewal. If the average is not met and no qualifying business has been established, renewal may be refused.
Can Tech.Pass Holders Switch to the ONE Pass?
Yes, subject to meeting the ONE Pass eligibility criteria. The Tech.Pass is specifically for technology professionals and is administered by EDB. The ONE Pass is broader in scope and administered by MOM. Individuals who qualify on salary or outstanding achievements grounds can switch passes at renewal time or upon application.
How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help
At Raffles Corporate Services, we assist ONE Pass applicants and their Singapore entities with the full suite of corporate services that support a successful application and post-arrival setup: company incorporation, corporate secretarial services, registered office, director and officer appointments, and annual statutory filings with ACRA and IRAS.
If you are planning to establish a Singapore presence alongside your ONE Pass application — whether as an operating company, a holding structure, or a family office — our team can help you get the corporate foundation in place efficiently. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services